Marlins designate Hayden Penn, who struggled in switch from starter to reliever

Reliever Hayden Penn will be designated for assignment Thursday after walking three batters with the bases loaded in Florida’s 9-6 loss Wednesday to the Brewers. The Marlins will call up a pitcher from the minors on Thursday.

The Marlins have 10 days to trade Penn, release him or outright him to the minors. But manager Fredi Gonzalez said he hoped Penn pitched again for the Marlins soon.
“Hopefully he stays in the organization and we work with him in the minor leagues so he can come back and help us out,” Gonzalez said.

Penn had been a starter his entire professional career before the Orioles traded him to the Marlins in spring training. Penn was out of options but the Marlins had no spots in their rotation, so they put him in the bullpen.

Penn was 1-0 with a 7.77 ERA in 16 appearances, including one start. In 22 innings, he 27 runs (19 earned) on 30 hits while walking 20.

Asked if the transition from starter to reliever contributed to his problems, Penn said, “Yeah, maybe you’re a little rusty but you’ve got to be ready. That’s the bottom line.”

Meanwhile, the player the Marlins traded to acquire Penn in March is doing well. Shortstop Robert Andino is batting .256 in 20 games for the Baltimore Orioles.